E DITOR ’ S NOTE
IT TAKES A VILLAGE THIS IS MINE.
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hen I started my career as an intern at Robb Report in 2003, I didn’t realize that so many of the wonderful colleagues and connections I made there would still be in my life years after I left, in 2014. For our annual “Women of Pasadena,” issue, I thought I’d introduce some of the women of Pasadena. While many amazing females (and males) help put each issue together, a handful of us have worked together for years, and I wanted to share a bit of that history. Almost immediately after the opportunity came to be editor in chief of this magazine, I called Mary Franz to see if she would be our art director. Mary has been in my professional life since day one: We worked on three Robb Report publications
Love Notes ➝
FROM SAM TO MARY: Every editor should be this lucky. I don’t know how she does it, but Mary somehow takes my far-flung ideas and turns them into reality. Her endless creativity, attention to detail, and unheard-of stamina to get through the crazy late nights of shipping a magazine never cease to amaze me. FROM MARY TO LAUREN: What a talented, savvy, stylish, ➝ compassionate, wise beyond her years woman Lauren is. Not to mention, she has the most wicked sense of humor, which has relieved my stress on so many occasions. I am so pleased to be working with her on Pasadena, and on a bit of a selfish note, I wish I could work with her all of the time, on all projects.
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FROM LAUREN TO JENNY: Working with Jenny is what I imagine working with Wonder Woman would be like. Since 2008 she has been a mentor to me in the working world and now motherhood. Her consistency, honesty, and professionalism mean everything. FROM JENNY TO CAROLYN: When Carolyn started at Robb ➝ Report, we were a small, tight-knit staff and every new face impacted the dynamic in the office. She walked in with a big smile and enthusiasm for every project, quickly becoming an expert in the worlds of high-end jewelry and wellness, pitching great ideas, thoroughly researching leads, and writing smart copy. I’m so glad we crossed paths back then and love that we’re reconnecting again through Pasadena.
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FROM CAROLYN TO ANUSH: When I met Anush, she was the newly hired editorial assistant and I was an assistant editor, giving her the office tour. Immediately, her talents were clear—and they were vast. From day one, her story pitches were refreshing, compelling, and always rooted in impeccable research. And her knack for comedic wordplay was next level. To work with AB is to laugh. And laugh hard. As an editor, she is eagle-eyed, and as a writer, she is curious and compassionate. I can’t wait to read her memoirs. FROM ANUSH TO SAMANTHA: Working with you has always ➝ been such a treat. I so enjoy collaborating on design stories with you and geeking out together over historic properties and local designers’ and artists’ works. I’ve always admired how you could spot a great story from a mile away and cover it with such a fresh take. And of course, your travels and adventures (which I love to follow on Instagram) never cease to ignite my wanderlust.
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together and countless projects in the years since. My other core collaborator, Lauren Schumacher, our photo editor, started working with me in 2008, and I don’t know how I could possibly source and keep track of all of the images it takes to produce a publication without her. On the editorial side, Jennifer Ryan has not only been a longtime collaborator, but she’s also been like a sister to me. Starting at Robb Report, also as an intern, in 2004, she sat next to me for years, as we both climbed the ranks to become associate editors and senior editors. I see her now thriving as a mother of three and couldn’t be more thrilled that she’s agreed to write each issue’s “Family” column for us. Her honesty and heartwarming insights about being a mother are one of the things I look most forward to reading. When I asked for help with the “Women of Pasadena” feature, in 10 minutes she sent an entire list of nominations, gushing over contacts she admires, several of whom made it onto the pages of this issue. I am grateful for her support in helping that feature come together. By the time Anush Benliyan and Carolyn Meers came to Robb Report, I was already working remotely (an uncommon practice back in 2012), and I didn’t have the pleasure of getting to know them in an office setting. They were years behind me in age (and therefore their careers), and that space allowed me to immediately recognized their innate research, editorial, and writing skills. In the years since, it’s been a joy to watch them advance in their careers, and I’m always glad when they have the time to write for me. In the spirit of the way we’ve organized this year’s “Women of Pasadena” feature, with pairs of women speaking with and praising each other, I’ve asked each of these lovely ladies to note something about someone else on our team. Their chain of responses is at left. Finally, in the spirit of Mother’s Day, there’s one more woman I want to introduce. When I showed my mom, Linda Brooks, the March/April issue (my first issue of Pasadena), she said, “It’s great, but you need a gardening section.” She was right. (Aren’t moms always?) Not only has she always had an inherent green thumb and endless capacity to read and learn about horticulture (for the record, I cannot keep a houseplant alive), she pitched me a dozen amazing ideas for the “Gardening” section, which I look forward to sharing in the coming months. Perhaps as you enjoy this issue you will think of some of the special women in your lives.
SAMANTHA BROOKS
Editor in Chief
